SPECIAL MEETING

October 24, 1962

A special meeting of City Council was held Wednesday, October 24, 1962 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Hayes, Hill, Holpp, Hughes, Turner, Walls and Zartman.

The City of Dover is planning a program of capital improvements within the present limits and is inquiring into the availability of Federal assistance. Present at the meeting were Captain Charles Leete of the Area Redevelopment Administration, Timothy Burke of the Community Facilities Administration, Dr. Joel Kaplofsky of the Delaware Stream Pollution Commission and Myron Courtney of Albright & Friel.

Captain Leete spoke of the operation of his agency which essentially is a lending agency charged with stimulating the growth or location of industry in areas of economic need. Delaware is not eligible for this assistance, although an area within the State could become eligible if selected and so designated by the Governor. His agency is also the coordinator for the disbursement of funds under a recent Congressional Act called the ‘Accelerated Public Works Program’. This program provides for grants of Federal monies through various Government agencies other than ARA for public works programs in area designated as eligible under various conditions. Kent County is eligible for grants under this program.

Timothy Burke spoke of the monies available through the CFA under the accelerated program. The total monies available throughout the nation will be $900,000,000, of which Congress has so far appropriated $400,000,000. These monies will be disbursed through various government agencies already engaged in programs which loan or grant Federal monies for various purposes. The accelerated program is designed to stimulate employment and is on a first come, first served basis, with no one State to receive more than 10% of the total appropriated. Grants of up 50% of the project cost would be available to Dover for eligible, approved projects. Conditions are that Dover must provide assurance that matching funds are available, that the project is not included or funds appropriated under its current budget, and that actual work begin within 120 days of making the application for Federal participation. The latter requirement would limit projects to those which can be quickly engineered and awarded to contractors.

Dr. Kaplofsky spoke of the effect of the accelerated works program on grants for sewage treatment, pumping stations and interceptors. Very little money had been allocated to this area thru his agency. The 30% grant for sewage treatment expansion is assured but no increase to provide for Federal grant of 50% seems likely.

Myron Courtney spoke of the progress of engineering work on sewer and water extensions to areas east of the old Dover limits, to the General Foods area, and on the sewage plant expansion. A preliminary estimate of costs totals $1,975,000. Of this sum, $990,000 is the estimated cost of sewage treatment plant expansion and the possible Federal grant from HEW towards this cost is $225,000. Mr. Courtney stated that the work which could be fully engineered and ready for construction within 120 days, thus being eligible for accelerated public works grant through CFA, is the Edgehill area sewer, $273,500, the General Foods area sewer, $138,000, and water improvements in the same areas, costing approximately $400,000.

A list of the above projects, together with other City improvements, sewer, water, storm sewer, streets, equipment, recreational facilities and public buildings, was presented to City Council.

On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council approved participation by the City of Dover in the Accelerated Public Works Program of Federal grants.

Council discussed the possible financing of capital improvements through the issue of General Obligation and/or Revenue Bonds.

Council decided to hold a special meeting on Wednesday evening, October 31, 1962 at 7:30 P.M. to which the City Manager will invite representatives of three firms of municipal bond dealers.

Council adjourned at 11:10 P.M.

F. Neylan

City Clerk

All ordinances, orders and Resolutions adopted by City Council at its meeting of October 24, 1962 are hereby approved.

                                                                                                                                                            

October 25, 1962                                                                                 Crawford J. Carroll Mayor